Tech Journal

John Deere's expanded lineup of GreenStar products is geared toward farmer–customers who are new to precision guidance technology or are looking to add on to existing technology.
The GreenStar Lightbar is an entry-level device that has 27 tracking LEDs to guide operators as they navigate through fields. Three green lights in the center remain on when the equipment is on track. Otherwise, red lights will be activated if the vehicle gets off track; each red light indicates 4" of off-track error.
Building on the GreenStar 2 (GS2) platform, the GS2 Display 1800 is a 7" full-color display screen that helps the operator manage numerous GreenStar applications. The GS2 1800 can be used with AutoTrac and on-screen mapping, is the entry-level display for the SeedStar2 system and is compatible with Swath Control Pro and Pivot Pro. Instead of using compact flash drives for data storage and transfer, this display features a USB data port. In addition, the GS2 1800 can operate as an ISO virtual terminal.
A new satellite receiver, the StarFire 300 Receiver, is an entry-level unit for customers new to using guidance systems. The StarFire 300 is a WAAS receiver that has 13" accuracy. It is compatible with the new GreenStar Lightbar and all GreenStar displays.
All new products are compatible with John Deere equipment and accommodate new or used equipment of other brands as well.
For more information, visit a John Deere dealer or http://www.johndeere.com/ag.

Upgrade and Expansion
Users of Leica Geosystems have a new software upgrade option for their
mojoRTK auto-steer console, allowing them to use continuously operating reference station (CORS) networks that provide free access to RTK signals through state department of transportation (DOT) networks. Customers are able to obtain free access to RTK networks from their local DOT with a data plan from Leica Geosystems, making for a cost-effective RTK solution.
Farmers in states with DOT-established CORS networks have the capability of using the signal via a modem inside their mojoRTK console. The modem
connects to the Internet using a cellular data plan provided by Leica through Aeris Communications.
Several states already have established CORS networks, including Alabama, Florida, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin; parts of Georgia and Illinois also have networks. Iowa is scheduled to join these states by Dec. 1, 2008. List price of Leica's network-ready console with the required software upgrade: $11,990. Users also need to purchase the cell data plan offered by Leica.
For more information, contact Leica Geosystems, 61 Inverness Drive East, Suite 270, Englewood, CO 80012; (800) 800-6656; http://www.leica-geosystems.com .